Sidmouth’s top croquet team faced good neighbours Budleigh Salterton in the Parkstone League, writes Colin Walls.

Fittingly the contest turned into a classic with Sidmouth battling back from an early deficit to secure a 4-3 success.

For this level of play the hoops are set so that there is just 1/16” clearance between the ball and the uprights.

To get the ball through relies on a relaxed free-flowing stroke, difficult to do at the best of times under the stress of a critical match!

On Sunday a chill wind blew from the sea, stiffening up muscles and diverting mallets.

The result was an error-prone day with few large breaks, but a good test of character.

Sidmouth lost both singles in the morning, only a victory in the doubles giving some hope.

In the afternoon four doubles were played; fortunately Richard Wood, David Temple and Mike Taylor (Sidmouth’s chairman) managed to win for the hosts with Chris Donovan (Budleigh’s chairman) the only winner for the visitors.